Esophageal Cancer

Explanation

Esophageal cancer develops in the innermost lining of the esophagus and grows outward. There are different types of esophageal cancer including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The esophagus is part of the digestive system. It is a muscular tube about 12” long that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach.

Globally, cancer of the esophagus is common in Iran, Northern China, India and Southern Africa. In Western countries, the rate of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in white men has been increasing at about 2% a year.

Who is at Risk?

A RISK FACTOR increases the likelihood that you will develop a disease. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Risk factors for esophageal cancer include:

Age – Risk increases with age. Nearly half of all people diagnosed with this type of cancer are over age 70.

Gender – Men are three times more likely than women to develop this type of cancer.

Diet – Research suggests that diets low in fruits and vegetables, as well as certain vitamins and minerals including viramins A, C and riboflavin may increase risk.

Tobacco use – The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases significantly if you use tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco.

What Decreases my Risk?

Any factor that lowers your risk of developing a disease is known as a PROTECTIVE FACTOR. These factors do not guarantee that a disease will not develop. Different cancers have different protective factors.

The best way is to change certain factors in your lifestyle to lower risk. Possible protective factors against esophageal cancer are: